Tourism Sector Launches Incubator Programme- October 2016

Launching the incubator at the Mphebatho Cultural Museum in Pilanesberg, the North West on Friday, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said the programme will focus on viable existing Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) at the selected tourism nodes.

The SMMEs must be affiliated to a local tourism association and be operational. In addition, there is no turn over requirement for participation by SMME’s but the official description of what SMMEs in line with the Small Development Act will be considered in the evaluation of suitability for inclusion in the incubator.

“Of critical importance, the success of our programmes is dependent on quality leadership as well as a stable and willing community that is hungry for success, which will create opportunities for our people. I am glad to say that this is one such community,” said the Minister.

“This business incubator model is a vibrant tool for nurturing innovative ventures regarding economic development and job creation as critical components of entrepreneurial infrastructure. It is going to assist growth of emerging and small start-up business enterprises into financially and operationally independent business ultimately.